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5 Approaches To Network
Printing
Overview
Configuring your network printing is based on the network protocols and host
environments you already use or plan to use. It is common to find multiple
network protocols co-existing in the same network.
NIC is a multi-protocol device that is able to accommodate many protocols at
the same time. The actual print job order operates on a first-in/first-out basis.
This means it is possible to configure your NIC using any or all of the methods
listed in this manual for use at the same time. This concept is what creates the
ability to use powerful printer management tools in parallel with the act of
printing. The protocol for a print job and the protocol for the management tool
will often be different.
These ideas are also what differentiate networks by size and network protocol
use. Some common network arrangements include peer to peer networks and
print job servers.
Peer To Peer Networks
Peer to peer networks can be used when you have few machines, few
printers, only one network protocol, and when any host can print to the printer.
A variation of this is a mini-server which “shares” its printer with the other
networked computers in a single room or building. NIC improves flexibility in
printer placement and setup by becoming just another “peer,” rather than
dedicated to a single machine.
A common peer to peer network arrangement is comprised of Windows
95/98 with TCP/IP configured to use the netBEUI protocol to connect to the
print server. A second common extension of this arrangement is to install a
third party LPR PORT MONITOR on each PC and use simple TCP/IP to
connect to the print server. If Windows NT is used for the peer computers,
LPR is included and is easy to set up. Windows 95/98 does not have such a
monitor, but many are available for free for download from the Web.